Chapter I · Chapter 1

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Pleasant is a rainy winter's day, within doors!

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

a feeling of delight at being entertained

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

plural of “camel” — cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

a procession (of wagons or mules or camels) traveling together in single file

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

the size of something as given by the distance around it

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

a flag that shows its nationality

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

include or contain; have as a component

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Pleasant is a rainy winter's day, within doors!

-ing form of “describe” — give a description of

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Pleasant is a rainy winter's day, within doors!

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

a flash of light (especially reflected light)

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

the transmission of information

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Pleasant is a rainy winter's day, within doors!

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

the act of traveling from one place to another

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

plural of “landscape” — an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

any art that invokes supernatural powers

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

in a misty manner

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

with patience; in a patient manner

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Pleasant is a rainy winter's day, within doors!

plural of “precinct” — a district of a city or town marked out for administrative purposes

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

(of weather) wet by periods of rain

From this reading Pleasant is a rainy winter's day, within doors!

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

plural of “spell” — a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

the rays of the sun

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

push forcefully

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

having tracks

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

plural of “travel” — the act of going from one place to another

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

characterized by variety

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

evoking lifelike images within the mind

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.

possessive form of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Pleasant is a rainy winter's day, within doors!

in the company of; together with

From this reading Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean-like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Pleasant is a rainy winter's day, within doors!

the words that are spoken

From this reading I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The best study for such a day, or the best amusement,--call it which you will,--is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows.